Dixie Villa to serve maximum sentence for manslaughter of 7-month-old
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The woman convicted of manslaughter of a 7-month-old child will serve the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Dixie Denise Villa was found guilty of manslaughter in November 2024 for giving 7-month-old Abigail Lobisch a fatal dose of Benadryl back in 2019.
Judge denies new trial for Dixie Villa
Following a heated trial of disputed testimony and claims of withheld evidence, a Circuit Court judge clarified his position, saying the court could not ignore the medical evidence presented in the case.
'The family waited six years for justice. Our keiki are vulnerable and those who care for them should be held accountable when they harm them,' said Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm.
Before the sentence was handed down, Abigail's mother, Anna Lobish, addressed the court, describing the emotional toll the ordeal has taken on her and her family.
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'My life has been defined by grief, loss and the pain of living without Abby is a heavy weight I will carry every single day for the rest of my life,' Anna said as she broke down in tears.
Prosecutors urged the court to impose the full sentence.
'The defendant could have easily called Anna that night to take back her children and she didn't. She made a choice and now, she should have to deal with the consequences of her choice,' said Tiffany Kaeo, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.
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Meanwhile, Villa's defense pushed back, asking for 10 years probation to allow Villa to continue caring for her two young children.
'Ms. Villa has remained arrest and conviction free, she's been a contributing member of our community and she was the mother of a special needs child and another child that she cared for on a full-time basis,' said Megan Kau, Villa's attorney.
After the sentence was read, Villa was taken back into custody. On the other side, a sense of relief.
'I'm so relieved that it's over. I'm happy with what happened in there,' said Anna Lobisch.
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While Dixie Villa begins serving her 20-year sentence, her new legal team will be preparing to appeal the conviction, meaning this legal fight is far from over.
'I strongly believe that we have legal basis to overturn the conviction and ask for a new trial,' said Villa's attorney, Megan Kau. Kau's motion to withdraw as Villa's counsel was granted by the Judge, due to Kau's office not handling appeal cases.
Prosecutors say they expect an appeal, but hope this sentence brings closure to the family, for now.
'Six years is a long time to wait for justice and while justice has been delayed, we hope this is not justice denied,' said Kaeo.
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